Posts by Dave Courbanou

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For CIOs savvy on the technology buzz, Two major technology companies are starting a wearable computing revolution: Apple is allegedly readying the iWatch, while Google accelerates its promise of releasing its Glass glasses-styled device.

As CIOs make the leap to mobile-centric workplaces, there’s a lot of variables to consider, especially about the kinds of applications needed to bring production-level productivity to tablet tapping workers. But once the key apps are ironed out and deployed, what about all the other apps in-between? It may be time for an enterprise app store.

CIOs approaching a cloud strategy may want to consider something a little more than the most practical SaaS solution. Cloud software needs to provide flexibility and scalability, offering functionality for both mobile and non-PC devices. All-encompassing software services like these open the door for flexible business strategies while improving worker productivity. The best part is, it’s not any more difficult to find and deploy these solutions — it just takes common sense.

The role of the CIO is becoming increasingly more complex, requiring CIOs to develop interpersonal skills, inter-executive skills and technological skills — and it’s because the role of IT has never been more important in the business world. That’s also why it’s never been more important for CIOs to press the issue — play hardball, that is. Because if CIO’s don’t push for innovation or change, nobody will.

Security and the cloud can sometimes seem like a contradiction in terms, but all signs point to the inevitable — cloud will eventually dominate in the IT landscape, even becoming a source of all security and related services. But how soon until on-premise hardware is swept up into the sky? It may be as soon as 2015.

CIOs mulling over their next big step may want to take a look at Gartner’s latest survey: Over 2,000 CIOs were asked to reveal their top priorities in 2013 and the results show there’s a significant focus on the latest “digital technologies.” That no surprise for the astute reader, but aligning new technologies with business objectives is key to making a 2013 strategy a powerful one.

In a recent report, IDC predicts Big Data and associated analytic technology services are set to grow at a sizable 31.7 percent compound annual growth rate, and by 2016, revenues in the Big Data space will hit $23.8 billion. As a result, IDC predicts, this demand in growth and technology will be met with a shortage of skills that will drive many to the cloud.

Now that 2013 has arrived, most CIOs are busy executing strategies for the new year. Lists are likely to include cloud, mobility and IT modernization objectives — but one particular objective may be difficult to address: costs.

Cloud detractors would say that cloud computing is a still-maturing market with many pain points to be ironed out, but there’s mounting evidence to the contrary. The latest findings from a survey by Dimensional Research, sponsored by HostAnalytics, suggests that at the end of 2012, CIOs aren’t just savvy on cloud, they’re excited about it and they understand its potential.

A lot of planning goes into rolling out a major workplace upgrade, be it cloud services or the sweeping adoption of mobility. With no shortage of pain points and hurdles, it may seem like all efforts to stay relevant and future-proof will be plagued by lengthy transition processes. But that doesn’t have to be true. Small steps today can pay off big tomorrow.